Chapter six

⭐ ୧ San Ha and Hui Joo
are datingও 🍇

Aera leaned back on the bench, her gaze drifting over the students milling around the garden, enjoying the midday break. The sprawling branches of the old tree above cast a dappled shade over her and her two closest friends, Seo Yun Hee and Han Ji Eun. It was a cozy, secluded spot, one they'd claimed as their own long ago. Somehow, everyone in school knew this bench was theirs, and no one dared challenge it.

Yun Hee and Ji Eun ate their lunches eagerly, their conversation bouncing from topic to topic, mostly recounting their weekend activities, punctuated by bursts of laughter. Aera, sipping on a juice box that Joo-won and her best friend Dal had brought her earlier, listened quietly. She enjoyed the chatter but often found herself on the sidelines, not because she lacked friends—she had plenty—but because she preferred keeping her circle small, surrounded only by those closest to her.

This balance was her routine: one day with Yun Hee and Ji Eun, her trusted companions, and the next with Joo-won and Dal, her sister and the one friend that had grown almost like family.

Yun Hee suddenly stopped mid-sentence and turned to Aera, her eyebrows raised with intrigue. "Hey, Aera. About your sister. I heard yesterday she was the one that threw the first punch."

Aera's eyes narrowed in surprise. She looked between Yun Hee and Ji Eun, processing the sudden revelation. "They said Joo-won threw the first punch?" she echoed, her voice curious but calm. Yun Hee and Ji Eun nodded in unison, exchanging cautious glances. "And then?" Aera pressed, her brow furrowing. "What else?"

"You... you won't get mad, right?" Ji Eun asked, her voice hesitant, a worried expression crossing her face as she took another bite of her sandwich.

Aera shook her head, a small smile appearing. "I won't," she reassured her friend, though her mind buzzed with irritation—not at her friends but at the people who seemed determined to stir up drama about her sister.

Yun Hee, taking Aera's words as permission, began listing the rumors. "They're saying she steals snacks from other students, bosses around her older brothers and you, and... that she hits and bullies anyone who approaches her siblings." Yun Hee paused, glancing at Ji Eun, who nodded solemnly. "Yesterday's incident wasn't unique, apparently. Those girls from yesterday? They're saying they were her victims."

"What? Really?" Aera leaned forward, her eyes widening as the news settled in. The peaceful scene around them suddenly felt out of place as a swirl of thoughts raced through her mind.

"Yes," Yun Hee and Ji Eun confirmed, nodding again as they watched Aera's expression shift from curiosity to genuine surprise.

"Do they call her 'crazy' secretly?" Aera asked, almost in a whisper. She knew her sister well enough to guess that this was exactly what Joo-won wanted—the image she wanted to cultivate, something intense enough to keep people at a safe distance.

"They do," Ji Eun replied, her voice low, as if revealing a guarded secret. She and Yun Hee exchanged puzzled glances, still confused by the question.

Aera let out a long sigh. It seemed Joo-won had achieved exactly what she wanted. She was the talk of the school, her name whispered behind cupped hands. Her reputation as someone not to be messed with had been cemented, and Aera couldn't tell if she was exasperated or amused by her sister's relentless determination.

After a few more exchanges, Aera excused herself from Yun Hee and Ji Eun, telling them she'd catch up later. She walked through the crowded school garden, then into the hallways, her mind already focused on finding Joo-won. She wanted to tell her about the rumors, even though she could already picture the gleeful look that would cross her sister's face. She knew her sister, knew that her "crazy" reputation was more a shield than a threat—a way of protecting their family's bubble from the outside world.

The hallways were bustling as students made their way to the cafeteria or back from their lockers. But as Aera rounded a corner, she stopped, hearing a familiar voice drift from nearby. She quickly moved back, pressing herself against the wall as she realized she was overhearing a conversation. Her instinct told her to walk away, but something about the tone of the conversation made her stay.

Dal's voice was clear but quiet. "Lunch. Just the two of them. The music room," she said, her tone serious as her eyes lingered on the closed door of the music room, where Sanha and Hui Joo had entered a few moments before. "Don't you understand?"

"No," Joo-won responded, blinking in confusion, her face unreadable as she took a casual sip from her juice box, oblivious to Dal's growing frustration.

Aera, watching from her hiding place, tilted her head to the side, her curiosity piqued.

"We shouldn't interfere," Dal continued, crossing her arms and shaking her head with a disapproving frown.

"Why not?" Joo-won asked, her tone as light as if she were discussing something as trivial as the weather. She clearly wasn't catching on.

Dal hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one else was within earshot. Then, in a hushed voice, she revealed, "Sanha sunbae and Hui Joo sunbae are dating."

The shock of her words seemed to hit both sisters at the same time, though Aera's reaction was more immediate. "What?" she exclaimed, louder than intended, stepping out from behind the corner, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and confusion.

Dal and Joo-won both jumped, startled by Aera's sudden appearance. Joo-won's hand flew to her chest in dramatic exaggeration. "Eonnie!" she whined, feigning a look of betrayal.

Dal's face softened with embarrassment, her hand reaching up to nervously brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "Didn't you know?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Everyone in my class knows."

"Everyone? They all know!?" Aera and Joo-won echoed in disbelief, glancing at each other with matching expressions of shock.

It felt like a betrayal. Sanha, their older brother, had kept this secret from them. And it wasn't just that he was dating someone—it was Hui Joo, one of the most popular and beautiful girls in school. Somehow, everyone in school had found out before they had. Sanha hadn't trusted them with this, hadn't told his own sisters.

Aera felt a pang of hurt, a small fracture in the unwavering trust she'd had in her brother. And as she looked at Joo-won, she knew her sister felt the same way. They'd always been close, always shared their lives openly with each other, and now there was this—a secret that stung with the realization that maybe, just maybe, things were beginning to change.

Joo-won and Aera stood by the window of Sanha's classroom, their faces a mixture of shock and disbelief. Aera's arms were folded tightly across her chest as she stared at her brother, her eyes sharp with frustration. Sanha looked completely at ease, packing his things with the calm demeanor he always carried. He seemed oblivious to the fact that his two sisters were watching him, hurt radiating from their silence.

Aera couldn't help but feel a twinge of resentment as she thought, Does everyone know? Everyone but us?

The sight of his nonchalant smile as he gathered his belongings only deepened her irritation. Then, as if sensing their presence, one of Sanha's friends pointed them out, and Sanha finally glanced up, his eyes softening as he recognized them. He lifted a hand, giving a gentle wave, his smile warm and familiar. But when neither Aera nor Joo-won waved back, his expression faltered, his smile fading as uncertainty crept into his eyes. Clutching his white backpack, he stood up, clearly intent on meeting them.

But just as Sanha exited the classroom, Joo-won grabbed Aera's arm, pulling her along down the hallway before he could catch up. Aera followed without hesitation, glancing over her shoulder only to see Sanha's confused look as he watched them disappear around the corner. His confusion turned to concern, and he quickened his pace to follow them.

The girls remained silent, walking briskly as they left the school building and made their way to the bus stop. When the bus finally arrived, they stepped aboard and chose seats close together, leaving no room for Sanha. He hesitated, a flash of hurt crossing his face as he stood alone, gripping a handrail while watching them whispering to each other in silence.

When the bus ride ended, they got off, still without a word to him. Aera and Joo-won moved quickly, their footsteps in sync as they walked side by side, completely ignoring Sanha, who trailed behind, his confusion only growing with every step. It was unlike them, especially Aera, who always greeted him with a smile whenever they crossed paths.

Sanha quickened his pace, finally catching up. "What's going on? Why aren't you two talking?" He glanced from Aera to Joo-won, his brows furrowing as he searched their faces for answers.

Joo-won didn't meet his eyes. Her voice was low, almost reluctant. "We saw you during lunch, oppa."

Sanha's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Why didn't you say hi?" His gaze flickered to Aera, expecting her to answer—she always would, but today, she just looked away, her arms crossed tightly.

Joo-won's eyes stayed fixed ahead, her voice laced with disappointment. "I tried to follow you, but... you went into the music room."

Sanha's expression shifted, a hint of realization crossing his face. He let out a soft, dismissive scoff. "You saw Hui Joo?"

Aera's gaze turned sharp, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Why didn't you tell us you had a girlfriend?" she demanded, her tone cold and direct, her arms still crossed tightly across her chest.

Sanha blinked, taken aback. "What?" He looked at her, his brow furrowing in genuine confusion.

"Everyone at school knew except us," Joo-won interjected, her frown deepening as she spoke. Her tone was somewhere between disbelief and disappointment, her expression almost childlike in its hurt.

Sanha couldn't help but chuckle, the sound amused and lighthearted. "Is that why you two are upset?"

"Of course!" Joo-won's voice rose slightly, her brows knitting together as she looked up at him, her face the picture of frustration. "Everyone knew except us! Ahjusshi, Dad, Kang Hae-Jun—everyone will be so sad."

Sanha's smile softened, a hint of curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Are you sad, too?" His gaze shifted to Aera, a teasing note in his voice. "You?"

Aera's expression softened ever so slightly. In truth, she wasn't deeply angry—just a bit hurt. She was glad her brother had found someone special, someone he wanted to be with. It made her happy, in a way, that he was opening up. But Joo-won, on the other hand, was clearly frustrated, her disappointment radiating from every word and movement.

"Of course! If we were your real family, you would have told us," Joo-won replied, her voice shaky with emotion. The words seemed to land heavily, and Sanha's smile slowly faded as he absorbed them. "How can you not say anything?" Joo-won continued, her voice barely above a whisper now. "You see us every day."

Sanha stopped walking, his expression turning serious. "Is that important to you—that we become a family?" His tone was measured, careful.

Joo-won blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Pardon?"

"Is that why you're making a fuss about legal adoption?" Sanha's voice was steady, his gaze fixed intently on her, as if searching for something. But Joo-won only stared back, speechless, her lips parted in surprise. "Yoon Joo-won," he continued, stepping closer, "we aren't family. Are we blood relatives? Why must we share a last name? I'm Kim Sanha. You're Yoon Joo-won, and she's Moon Aera." He gestured between them, his frustration evident. "Let's say we match our last names and become a family on paper. So? Then, what?"

The harshness of his words struck Joo-won like a blow, and her face fell, her eyes filling with unshed tears. She struggled to keep her voice steady. "It... it isn't about doing something..." Her voice broke, her gaze dropping to the ground as her eyes shimmered with the threat of tears.

Sanha's expression softened just slightly, but he pressed on. "People obsess over the things they lack the most," he said, his tone gentler now but still firm. "Whenever you talk about 'family,' it shows. You're anxious we aren't family on paper."

"Kim Sanha!" Aera's voice cut through the tense silence, firm and unyielding. Sanha turned his gaze toward her, his serious expression meeting her steady glare. She couldn't let him speak to her sister this way, not when Joo-won's feelings were already so vulnerable.

Joo-won, tears finally spilling over, lifted her gaze, her voice small and trembling. "I'm not anxious," she said, her words broken. "It's just that... you kept a secret from us, oppa. I'm just sad about it." Her voice grew softer as she looked down again, hurt plain on her face.

Sanha's expression hardened, his frustration bleeding through. "If you're going to cry, do it in private," he said, his voice cool and detached. "You're in high school now. You're too old to cry like a child."

With that, he turned and began walking away, leaving both sisters standing in stunned silence. But Joo-won, her cheeks wet with tears, hurried after him, her voice catching. "I'm not crying!" she called, her voice cracking as she tried to catch up, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. "I'm not crying!"

Aera followed close behind, her voice firm but tinged with protective anger. "She's not crying!" she echoed, her tone scolding as she glared at Sanha's back. "Why did you have to be so harsh with her? Hey, Sanha! No one treats my baby sister like that!"

Reaching out, she pinched his arm sharply, earning a surprised yelp from Sanha. Then, wrapping an arm around Joo-won, Aera hugged her tightly, doing her best to console her as they walked together. Joo-won clung to her, a small, broken sound escaping her lips as she buried her face against her sister.

"Eonnie!" Joo-won's voice came out in a plaintive whine, her tears subsiding as Aera held her close, offering the comfort she needed.

Sanha, rolling his eyes, continued walking a few steps ahead, casting occasional glances back at the two of them. Despite the frustration simmering beneath the surface, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, wondering how his little sisters—still so full of innocence and loyalty—could remain so stubbornly close.

The evening had settled in comfortably around the family, casting a warm, cozy glow across the living room. Five of them were gathered on the floor, seated around a small coffee table covered with dishes and side plates, the air fragrant with the mouthwatering scent of grilled meat. Jeongjae was busy washing lettuce at the kitchen sink, carefully separating the crisp green leaves to pair with the sizzling pork belly Dae-uk was tending to on a small tabletop grill. The light crackling and pops from the meat filled the room, adding to the warmth and familiarity of the scene.

Dae-uk expertly flipped the meat with the confidence of a seasoned chef, using a pair of heavy-duty restaurant tongs. He grinned as he looked over his shoulder, taking in the eager faces of his children gathered around. "Wow, looks delicious!" he remarked, a hint of pride in his voice. "Dad got the best quality meat for you all."

Jeongjae returned to the table, holding a container filled with freshly washed lettuce, its bright green leaves glistening with water droplets. He took a seat beside Hae-Jun, setting the container down with a nod of satisfaction. "I buy it once in a blue moon," he said, patting Hae-Jun on the back before leaning over to inspect the meat's perfect marbling.

Dae-uk lifted a sizzling piece, tilting it under the light to show off its deep caramel color. "Look at this color," he marveled, pausing to take in the rich texture before setting it down. "It's too well done; the fat's gone, and it isn't as tasty." He chuckled, nudging Sanha with his elbow. Sanha handed him a plate, which he then loaded with a piece of meat and passed along to Hae-Jun.

Jeongjae's eyes narrowed as he noticed Hae-Jun's quiet demeanor. He frowned, concerned. "What's wrong, Hae-Jun? Don't you have an appetite?" He leaned in slightly. "Should I make you some crab soybean soup?"

"No, this is good," Hae-Jun replied, shaking his head politely. But as he picked at his food, his mind seemed elsewhere, drawing curious glances from Sanha and Aera. Their eyes then drifted to Joo-won, who was quietly staring at her plate, an unusual somberness etched on her face.

Noticing Joo-won's silence, Sanha quickly placed a piece of lettuce on her plate. "Here," he offered gently, but she barely acknowledged him, only glancing at him from the corner of her eye.

"Put some garlic in the wrap," Jeongjae suggested, gesturing with his chopsticks. "This garlic isn't your average garlic—it's from the Madam's mother's house." He smiled, hoping to lighten the mood, but his voice didn't quite reach Joo-won.

Aera, sitting across from Joo-won, observed her sister's quiet rebellion. Joo-won's lingering resentment toward Sanha was obvious, and Aera sighed, nudging her slightly with her foot under the table.

Jeongjae's brow furrowed further as he noticed Joo-won's unusual behavior. "Joo-won, what's going on with you?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Everyone turned to look at her, expecting her usual cheerful energy, but she merely stared at her food, refusing to meet anyone's gaze.

"Stop picking at your food. It's unlike you," Hae-Jun scolded lightly, nudging her with his elbow. "It's pork belly. Devour it like you usually do."

Joo-won shifted uncomfortably, muttering, "I don't always have an appetite." Her tone was serious, edged with frustration.

Hae-Jun gave her a skeptical look, raising an eyebrow. "What? Do you even know what it's like not to have an appetite?"

A moment of silence passed, thick and awkward, before Sanha finally spoke, cutting through the tension. "We got into a fight," he admitted, causing everyone's attention to snap toward him, curiosity written across their faces.

Dae-uk, sitting beside him with a plate in hand, looked intrigued. "What happened?"

"A fight about what?" Jeongjae asked, his mouth full of food as he spoke, though he quickly swallowed, casting a concerned glance at Joo-won. "Did you throw a fit?" His frown deepened as he looked at his daughter.

Joo-won's head whipped toward him, her expression indignant. "Do you think I always throw a fit?" She huffed, her eyes flashing with irritation.

Jeongjae, still chewing, shrugged as he replied, "I'm sure Sanha didn't get himself into trouble."

Joo-won let out an exasperated laugh, smacking her chopsticks onto the table with a loud clatter. "Yes, I just gobble up meat..." she snapped, her voice heavy with sarcasm, "get in trouble, and Kim Sanha is a flawless person. Good for you, good for you!" She shot Sanha a scornful glare, her frustration spilling over as she abruptly stood and walked away, heading toward her room.

Dae-uk reached out, calling after her. "But still, eat some meat!" His voice softened, tinged with a pleading tone. "Dad got it for you!" But Joo-won ignored him, her footsteps quickening as she disappeared down the hallway.

Aera set her chopsticks down, sighing heavily. "I'll talk to her," she offered, starting to rise, but Jeongjae raised a hand in the air, stopping her.

"It's fine," he murmured, taking another bite. "Eat. She'll be fine tomorrow."

Sanha, however, didn't seem content to wait. "There's no need to wait until tomorrow," he said, determination flashing in his eyes as he stood up. "I can make her feel better quickly." Without waiting for a response, he made his way to Joo-won's room, leaving everyone else in silent curiosity.

Aera watched him disappear into the hallway, but when she returned her attention to the others, she noticed all three men staring at her, waiting expectantly. Rolling her eyes, she picked up her chopsticks, ready to dig into her food again. "Sanha has a girlfriend, and he didn't tell us. That's why she's mad." She nodded, chewing thoughtfully. "Then she brought up the adoption thingy, and Sanha got mad," she added with a shrug.

The men exchanged astonished glances. "Sanha has a girlfriend?" Jeongjae asked, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Apparently. But he hasn't confirmed it yet." Aera gave a casual shrug, focusing back on her meal, unbothered by the revelation.

Several minutes later, Sanha returned, holding Joo-won's wrist gently but firmly. He guided her back into the living room, leading her to her original seat. As they settled down, Aera caught a subtle shift in Joo-won's demeanor—a silent, simmering anger directed toward Hae-Jun, her gaze sharp as she glanced his way.

Something had clearly transpired between her and Sanha. What exactly had he told her?

"Eat," Sanha said softly, a smile tugging at his lips as he placed a piece of pork belly onto Joo-won's plate. She stared at it for a moment, a reluctant smile gradually softening her expression as she took a bite. The moment the rich, savory flavor hit her taste buds, her eyes lit up, her annoyance momentarily forgotten.

"It's good, right?" Dae-uk grinned, watching her reaction with satisfaction.

Jeongjae, noticing the easy camaraderie return, chuckled as he picked up another piece of meat with his chopsticks and held it out to Dae-uk. "Aigoo, have plenty. You're just grilling." Dae-uk leaned forward, happily accepting the bite as the warm, familial atmosphere settled over them once more, the tension dissipating into the background.

As laughter and conversation filled the room again, they all seemed to relax, finding comfort in each other's presence and the shared meal. The earlier conflict was set aside, leaving only the warmth of family and the smell of a lovingly prepared meal.

࿁ • 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘬 . . . 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝒚𝒐𝒖
ྀིྀི 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝒎𝒆 𐙚 ~ @ 𝑾𝒐𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 • ࿁

Guess who finally got their internet back? Me!! 🥳

Anyways, as a compensation for my absence, here's a long chapter for today.

Sorry I took too long. My dad cut off the internet a week ago by accident when working outside the house so I didn't have internet for an entire week.  But we got it back, so we're good now!

Quick question: would y'all be interested in a "Love next door" fan-fiction or nah? Just wondering cause I really want to make one!

See y'all in the next chapter! 💗